Man City battle Barca to sign the ‘next Lionel Messi’

Manchester City are ready to flex their financial muscle once more in an attempt to sign teenager Brahim Abdelkader from Malaga, reports suggest.

Already compared to Lionel Messi, the 14-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, with the Catalan club having two previous bids rejected by their La Liga rivals.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Pellegrini is well aware of the talented youngster, having monitored his progress closely during the City boss’ time at his former club.

And the Chilean is hoping the recently-developed relationship between the two clubs could increase their chances of signing Brahim, who is represented by the same agent as Luis Suarez.

Barcelona’s offer is believed to have been as high as £2.5m, as the club introduced the prodigy to first team players including his idol and Argentinian superstar Messi, in an attempt to force through a move.